What is the aim of a speculative CV covering letter?
As mentioned in our Job Search section, using a speculative approach offers you:
- The opportunity to target the type of organisation that you would like to work for.
- The chance to get ahead of the competition before any possible vacancy is advertised.
- The means of saving the company the potentially expensive and time consuming recruitment process.
Imagine your CV cover letter arriving on the desk of a possible employer just when they are contemplating hiring! Your well-presented cover letter might convince the reader to look at your CV and then contact you before anyone else is considered for the job.
This tried and tested method does work.
Remember that a CV / resume never travels alone!! Your speculative CV covering letter is a great way to highlight the most relevant skills/qualities/experience in your CV to a prospective employer.
Read the advice on the Successful Cover Letter guide page. It cannot be stressed how important it is to get a contact name! Think of what you would do if you receive a letter addressed to ‘Whom it may concern’. Chances are it may end up in the pending tray or even worse in the bin! Taking a little time to find out a contact name will greatly improve the chance of your letter being read.
If you are sending your CV speculatively; this sample speculative CV covering letter can be adapted to meet your needs. Simply insert your relevant details in the places indicated by brackets (). Pay attention to grammar and spelling. Do not ramble on – be concise and keep it to 1 page if possible.
Sample speculative CV covering letter
(Your address 1)
(Your address 2)
(Your Postcode)
(Telephone Number Mobile Number)
(E: youremail@emailaddress.com)
(Contact Name)
(Title)
(Company Name)
(Address 1)
(Address 2)
(INSERT DATE)
Dear (Contact name/Sir or Madam)
Ref: Post of (Insert Job Title)
I am writing to enquire whether you have any current openings for (insert your job title).
As you will see from my enclosed CV, I have (several years experience within the field) and believe that (organisation name) would offer me the prospect of utilising and enhancing my skills and experience within your organisation.
With my (list 3 most relevant skills/qualities/achievements), I feel that I would be able to make a significant contribution to your company’s team if given the opportunity.
Should you have no current vacancies, I would be grateful if you could keep a copy of my CV on file should any future positions you feel that I may be suitable for arise.
I am available for either an informal chat or interview at your convenience and can be contacted either by telephone, e-mail or mail. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Yours sincerely,
(YOUR NAME IN CAPTIALS)
Enc: (your enclosed documents)
Once you have constructed a great CV cover letter that will impress, you can search for a job in your country or overseas, find the latest jobs and start applying instantly by uploading your CV / resume online.
If you are looking for an example cover letter in your field, go to our sample CV cover letters section to find
Sample cover letter for Admin Assistant
Sample cover letter for Social Worker
Sample cover letter for Project Manager
Sample Cover Letter For Social Worker / Healthcare Positions
Before you send out your speculative cover letter, please remember how important it is to check for grammar and punctuation. Sometimes a word transposed or omitted can have a devastating effect. Just look at some of the worst CV mistakes for examples of bad grammar and punctuation.
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